Are Gum Disease and Breast Cancer Related?

Most of us associate trips to the dentist with healthy teeth and a flawless smile. However, recent studies have shown that women should follow healthy mouth practices for another reason.

Those who are diagnosed with gum disease are more likely to develop breast cancer in the future.

Bacteria from gum disease enter the blood stream and cause inflammation elsewhere. It has long been known that gum disease sufferers are more prone to heart disease, strokes, dementia and pancreatic cancer but this latest research now adds breast cancer to that list.

What are some of the ways to enjoy a healthy smile and to reduce the chances of developing gum

disease?

Key takeaways:

Always visit the dentist if you suspect a problem or if you find that your gums are bleeding or receding from the surface of the tooth.
Be sure to maintain proper oral hygiene techniques using all the tools and techniques that your dentist or hygienist shows you.
Return to your dentist or hygienist for ‘supportive care’ at the frequency that they recommend as that frequency has been chosen to provide you with the help that you need to maintain your gums in a healthy condition

“Overall, the risk of breast cancer was 14% higher in women who had gum disease compared to women who didn’t have gum disease.”

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/gum-disease-may-be-linked-to-higher-risk

Dr Ashley Davenport BDS MFGDP(UK)

I qualified as a dentist in 1995 and can honestly say that I have been doing a job that I love for the past 20 plus years. Most people who know me well know that dentistry is a passion for me and that if I won the lottery I would still want to have some dentistry in my life. I get huge satisfaction from treating patients and making a difference to ...

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Are Gum Disease and Breast Cancer Related?

Key takeaways:

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